Amir Khan left sweating over title fight as Lamont Peterson fails drug test

Amir Khan’s rematch with Lamont Peterson has been thrown into doubt after the American failed a drugs test.

Blow: Khan may not get the chance to fight Peterson for a second time (Picture: Getty Images)

Peterson, who claimed a controversial split decision win over Khan to claim his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles on December 10, tested positive for synthetic testosterone.

Now the scheduled rematch in Las Vegas on 19 May, which was ordered by the WBA due to ‘multiple irregularities’ in the first fight, is now up in the air.

Peterson’s publicist Andre Johnson issued a statement to RingTV.com, which read: ‘We have tremendous respect for VADA and its mission.

‘Lamont, Barry and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible.

‘We are working expeditiously with a team of pathologists and other medical specialists to confirm the origin of the test result and in full compliance with the rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

‘Lamont has never had a positive test either before or after this isolated occurrence, and we plan to submit medical findings by close of business Tuesday reflecting the actual facts in support of Lamont’s good faith intentions and the requirements of the commission.’

Khan’s business manager, Asif Vali, seemed optimistic about the fight taking place, and told Sky Sports News: ‘The fight’s on. Obviously the Nevada commission will come back to us with their findings.

‘They’ll look at things quite in depth before they make a final decision. That decision’s due to come to us by the end of play on Tuesday.

‘Obviously last night it was a shock when I received the call to say Lamont had failed a drug test.

‘However, the Peterson team seem to think that something’s gone wrong during the very first VADA drug test which Lamont took in March. Their explanation is that it’s something he took earlier on in the year – before the last fight.’